Sheffield United: Yes, promotion is still possible and this is why

Sheffield United have been told a return to the Premier League next season remains within their grasp.
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Despite making a slow start to the present campaign, as the hangover of last term’s relegation from the top-flight proved difficult to shake-off, United moved to within four points of the play-off positions with 25 matches remaining after beating Cardiff City nine days ago.

Although that gap has since stretched, with their game against Queens Park Rangers tonight postponed because of an outbreak of Covid-19 in the visitors’ camp, manager Paul Heckingbottom is convinced his team are capable of qualifying for the play-offs following a recent upturn in form.

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom is convinced his team can celebrate a return to the Premier League: Ashley Crowden / SportimageSheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom is convinced his team can celebrate a return to the Premier League: Ashley Crowden / Sportimage
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom is convinced his team can celebrate a return to the Premier League: Ashley Crowden / Sportimage
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The 44-year-old’s confidence has been reinforced by the fact that Barnsley, where he began his coaching career, achieved a promotion under his stewardship despite being eight shy when he took over - the same deficit United faced when Slavisa Jokanovic was sacked nearly three weeks ago.

“That shows it’s still possible,” Heckingbottom said, reflecting upon events at Oakwell during the 2015/16 League One competition. “I know a few people have mentioned it and, although it’s a nice line, it won’t have any bearing on what happens now. What it does show though, like I say, is that it (going up) is still possible. More than.”

Despite insisting “everyone is where they deserve to be, ourselves included” as the fixture schedule approaches the halfway stage, Heckingbottom is adamant the table has not yet “properly taken shape” beyond runaway leaders Fulham and AFC Bournemouth.

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Paul Heckingbottom is preparing his team to face Queens Park Rangers at Bramall Lane: Ashley Crowden / SportimagePaul Heckingbottom is preparing his team to face Queens Park Rangers at Bramall Lane: Ashley Crowden / Sportimage
Paul Heckingbottom is preparing his team to face Queens Park Rangers at Bramall Lane: Ashley Crowden / Sportimage

Stoke City are the only top-half club United have beaten since returning to the second tier but Heckingbottom has refused to read too much into United’s record against other heavyweights in the Championship, ahead of next Monday’s trip to Fulham.

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“It’s consistency in this division,” Heckingbottom said. “If you get that, then you can become a team that’s talked about. This league has always been like this - you’ve got to approach it with that mindset. We are performing well at the minute and we want that to carry on.”